2013 Fantasy Football Preview: Dallas Cowboys RB Lance Dunbar

In 2012, the Dallas Cowboys’ rushing game was just shameful after amassing a total of 1,265 yards – the lowest ever by a Cowboys team during a 16-game season.

With the Felix Jones experiment finally over, DeMarco Murray’s health being a concern and two unproven young guys in Lance Dunbar and Phillip Tanner – Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said the Cowboys would have to address the running back position through the Draft.

“In this league, you have to have more than one back,” Jones said. “Obviously, we developed Murray, but you also have to look at the fact he hasn’t been healthy yet in terms of for a full season. I think we need a back. I like Dunbar and I like Tanner, but I think they’re more third backs than second backs.”

So, the Cowboys drafted Joseph Randle in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, in hopes that he would come in and be the team’s No. 2 behind Murray. One thing the Cowboys didn’t anticipate, however, is how much Dunbar has progressed since last season.

On Sunday, during the Cowboys’ annual Blue and White Scrimmage fans and media alike got to see first hand just how impressive the second-year running back has been, and how much he’s benefitting from the team implementing a zone-blocking scheme. One thing that I’ve been impressed with is Dunbar’s ability as a pass-catcher and his vision, especially since he’s such a young back.

As of Sunday, one thing is pretty obvious, and that is that Dunbar has solidified himself as Dallas’ No.2 back making him a prime handcuff candidate. Given Murray’s health concerns, Dunbar may be a guy you want to target because Murray hasn’t played a full season and I don’t think 2013 will be any different.